Red patches, lesions, itching: psoriasis is a source of significant discomfort. Non-contagious and generally benign , this inflammation of the skin appears on the scalp , on the forehead, in the neck or behind the ears. Its symptoms are similar to eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, but are distinguished by the thickness and delimitation of its patches.
Fortunately, it is possible to treat the symptoms of scalp psoriasis with specific shampoos , creams or lotions . How do you choose the best treatment to treat this skin condition and what moisturizing routine should you adopt? Follow Blue Skincare's advice to regain the health your skin deserves!
What is scalp psoriasis?
A chronic, non-contagious inflammatory skin disease , scalp psoriasis manifests itself by the appearance of red patches and scales on the head. Although this condition progresses in flare-ups, the frequency of which varies from one person to another, rest assured, it has no influence on hair growth.
Scalp psoriasis plaques can be isolated or accompanied by other inflammations in the elbows or knees . In 80% of cases, the manifestations of this disease remain benign , but their appearance can cause discomfort, both psychologically and socially.
What causes psoriasis on the head?
Psoriasis corresponds to an abnormally rapid renewal of epidermal cells, called keratinocytes . At the origin of this disorder: a dysfunction of the immune cells, the T lymphocytes , which secrete inflammatory molecules responsible for the increase in the production of keratinocytes. When the latter reproduce too quickly (three days for psoriasis compared to three weeks normally), they cause inflammation and desquamation .
In general, the appearance of scalp psoriasis is the consequence of:
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Genetic factors transmitted through family heredity;
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Drug factors during treatment of other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, high blood pressure or bipolar disorder;
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Psychological factors such as stress , fatigue or a traumatic event.
What are the symptoms commonly associated with scalp psoriasis?
The main symptoms of scalp psoriasis are red, erythematous plaques with rounded edges accompanied by scaling with white dandruff. Usually located on the top of the forehead, on the back of the neck or behind the ears, this inflammation of the skin sometimes causes itching .
In its most severe forms, psoriasis can spread to the entire scalp, forming what is called a psoriasis helmet . By trapping the hair , the red patches can cause it to break or fall out , accompanied by intense itching . However, the patches tend to disappear partially or completely between two outbreaks.
How prevalent is scalp psoriasis?
In France, 2% of the population is affected by psoriasis, according to a study by INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research). Among them, more than half are affected by scalp psoriasis. The latter can occur at any age regardless of gender, although a peak of appearance is observed between the ages of 20 and 40 .
How to treat scalp psoriasis?
Following the diagnosis of psoriasis by a dermatologist, it is advisable to treat it with suitable local treatments , in the form of creams, shampoos or specific lotions. Enriched with mother-of-pearl and balancing prebiotics , the products in the Xéro.Nacre range from Blue Skincare are specially designed for dry skin prone to psoriasis or eczema:
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THE kerato-reducing care calms itching, eliminates scaly patches and limits their reappearance thanks to gentle exfoliating acids;
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Ultra-concentrated mother-of-pearl cream soothes itching while nourishing and protecting the skin for 24 hours;
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The relipidant cleansing oil strengthens the protective skin barrier and respects the hydrolipidic film of all skin types.
More and more people are now turning to natural treatments to treat their psoriasis. Vegetable oils , vitamin D or even regular physical exercise : these new approaches are proving effective in alleviating the symptoms of the disease.
In cases of more severe or extensive inflammation, medications such as immunomodulators, immunosuppressants or vitamin A or D derivatives may be prescribed.
Depending on the type of psoriasis , some patients may also undergo phototherapy sessions : this treatment uses ultraviolet light in a localized or body-wide manner to neutralize psoriatic plaques. However, phototherapy is limited in time due to the risk of skin aging and cancer (melanoma).
What routine should I adopt to treat this type of psoriasis?
Treating scalp psoriasis cannot be improvised. To establish an effective routine and preserve the health of your skin, the Blue Skincare Repairing Duo emollient care and mother-of-pearl cream is an ideal solution.
With the kerato-reducing emollient treatment , eliminate roughness, dry dandruff and scaly patches from the scalp. Then give your skin lasting hydration and reduce redness with the mother-of- pearl cream for the face and body. Applied morning and evening to clean, dry skin, this exfoliating and moisturizing treatment duo is a guarantee of soothing , softening and protection for your skin.
FAQ: Scalp psoriasis
How to avoid itching from scalp psoriasis?
To alleviate the itching caused by scalp psoriasis, it is recommended to use moisturizing and soothing products , such as the Xéro.Nacre range from Blue Skincare, or lotions based on corticosteroids . Also, favor a gentle shampoo followed by gentle drying so as not to aggravate the irritation. Finally, it is important not to scratch the psoriatic plaques to avoid accelerating the peeling of the skin.
Is it possible to treat scalp psoriasis?
There is currently no curative treatment for scalp psoriasis. Available treatments aim to relieve the symptoms associated with this condition and limit the frequency of flare-ups. Good hair hygiene is essential to prevent the onset of scalp psoriasis. It is also necessary to consult a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate and controlled management of the disease.
